Certified Nursing Assistant in Pennsylvania

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for PA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$41,110

trending_up +4.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Pennsylvania.

engineering

65,410

Jobs (PA)

monitoring Stable

+2.3%

10-yr job growth

payments

$121

Licensing fees

schedule

4-15 weeks

Time to complete

route How to become a certified nursing assistant in Pennsylvania

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Pennsylvania, individuals must complete a state-approved training program of at least 80 hours, which includes both classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice. After completing the training, candidates must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam administered by Credentia. Pennsylvania offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other states, allowing them to apply to the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry without additional testing.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $36,270

25th percentile $37,950

50th (median) $41,110

75th percentile $45,070

90th (experienced) $48,100

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Pennsylvania. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Pennsylvania requirements

Licensing body	Pennsylvania Department of Health
State license	Required
Education	State-approved training program of at least 80 hours (some programs are 120 hours or more), including classroom instruction and 37.5 hours of supervised clinical practice.
Experience	37.5 hours
Exam	National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia ($121)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	12.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age of 16 or 17 (depending on the program). A criminal background check is required. Must be in good physical health and have up-to-date immunizations. Renewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA for at least 8 hours in the past 24 months and completing 12 hours of in-service training. High school diploma or GED is generally required by training programs and employers.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Health

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+2.3%

Average

Annual openings

204,100

Nationwide per year

Total employment

1,441,500

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circlePennsylvania license required — clearer credential signal to employers

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a certified nursing assistant in Pennsylvania? expand_more

In Pennsylvania, becoming a certified nursing assistant requires you to complete the required education (State-approved training program of at least 80 hours (some programs are 120 hours or more), including classroom instruction and 37.5 hours of supervised clinical practice.), gain 37.5 hours of supervised experience, and pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia.

Does Pennsylvania require certified nursing assistant licensure? expand_more

Pennsylvania mandates state licensure for certified nursing assistants. Pennsylvania Department of Health oversees the process, which includes passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia.

How much do certified nursing assistants make in Pennsylvania? expand_more

certified nursing assistants in Pennsylvania earn a median of $41,110 annually. — within a few percent of the $39,530 national figure. New certified nursing assistants start around $36,270; seasoned professionals can reach $48,100.

How expensive is certified nursing assistant licensing in Pennsylvania? expand_more

Between exam fee ($121), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How long does it take to become a certified nursing assistant in Pennsylvania? expand_more

In Pennsylvania, becoming a certified nursing assistant generally takes 4-15 weeks, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

What are the continuing education requirements for certified nursing assistants in Pennsylvania? expand_more

Pennsylvania requires 12.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your certified nursing assistant license.